Just a few weeks ago before the Beast from the East the cages were level with the beach. Now there is a 9ft drop.

Although what had happened at Scratby was dramatic Mr Stephenson was keen to shift the focus to neighbouring Hemsby where the situation had reached crisis point with homes demolished before they could slide down the dunes and eight still at risk.

Just a few weeks ago the beach was level with the gabion cages at Scratby. Photo: Liz Coates